Visit Thailand, Laos and Vietnam on this epic family adventure. Travel by overnight train to Chiang Mai and by boat from Thailand to Laos. Witness the sights and smells of Laos' hawker markets and climb the steps of Bangkok's ancient Buddhist temples. Pop into Hanoi and kayak around stunning Halong Bay before heading home, filled with tales of adventure.

Select your itinerary:

Day

1-2

Bangkok

Board your flight in the uk , arriving the following day in Bangkok. Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. You can check into your hotel from early this afternoon and relax by the pool or explore a little on your own, if you arrive early.

Nuovo City Hotel - Swimming pool

Day

3

Bangkok and overnight train

Begin the day with a an hour-long river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) . Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the ‘trinity’ of Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long gold plated Buddha reclining inside. This evening, head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey. Multi share train compartments are air-conditioned, with bunk beds, sheets and pillows provided. Your baggage travels in the carriage with you. There is a food and drink service available on board.

Overnight Sleeper train - Breakfast included.

Day

4

Chiang Mai

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city to explore. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads up to the temples and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience.

De Charme Hotel - Swimming Pool - Breakfast included

Day

5

Cycling and Cooking class

Today we take to 2 wheels as we head out on a cycling tour of Chiang Mai. During the past few years Chiang Mai has developed a thriving cycling culture, with the emergence of numerous local clubs, teams and several homegrown events. It’s easy to see why with a wide variety of landscapes for cyclists of all abilities and ages. There are some steep gradients but lots of life going on between the hills to keep you smiling and reminding you that you are on holiday ! In the evening, after a shower and a cool down we will all engage in a Thai cooking class, which is always great fun - which member of the family can make the best Pad thai ?

De Charme Hotel - Swimming Pool - Breakfast and dinner included

Day

6

Chiang Khong

Today we take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong (approximately 5.5 hours). Formerly known as 'Juon', peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. There is chance to stretch your legs with a stroll around town, and if you find youself with time, then Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are both well worth a visit to soak up some of the local culture and a final Thai drink and dinner before we head onwards, with Laos beckoning from across the mighty Mekong.

Chiang Kong Teak Garden Hotel - Swimming Pool - Breakfast included

Day

7

Pakbeng

Cross the border into Laos and board a slow boat for the two-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is a relaxed experience, mirroring the slow pace of village life and allowing time to experience the breathtaking scenery up close. The river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Dock at the small town of Pak Beng (after about 8 hours) to spend the night.

Phonemany Guesthouse - Breakfast included

Day

8

Luang Prabang

Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, an important religious site made up of two sacred limestone caverns that overlook the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers. The caverns are filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, brought by devoted villagers over the centuries. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. Afterwards, continue to the atmospheric World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang, a favourite of many travellers (approximately 7 hours in total). Nestled in the hills of northern Laos where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet, the city is claimed to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO.

My Lao Home Hotel - Breakfast included

Day

9

Luang Prabang

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country's most refined cuisine, a multi-ethnic population and rich culture. Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre, a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles. In the afternoon, head south of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. Back in Luang Prabang this evening you’ll have free time to make further discoveries, including walking around the popular Night Bazaar.

My Lao Home Hotel - Breakfast included

Day

10

Vang Vieng

Today is mainly a travelling day as the you drive south from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (approximately 7 hours). Take in the mountain scenery and snippets of small village life along the hilly highway to Vang Vieng. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to walk through local markets or along the riverside and just watch the world go by.

Villa Vang Vieng Riverside - Swimming Pool - Breakfast included

Day

11

Kayaking

We start the day with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the activities that lie ahead. We start of with a hike around the town, across the bridges and alongside karst limestone hills to get a real feel for this cracking little town. After lunch we'll head to the water and jump onboard our kayaks to explore at water level. We'll have time to stop and relax and take a swim too. Return to our hotel tonight for a good dinner and a great night's sleep.

Villa Vang Vieng Riverside - Swimming Pool - Breakfast included

Day

12

Vientiane

Continue by bus to the Laos' capital, Vientiane (approximately 4 hours). Possibly Asia's most laidback capital, Vientiane is a city where daily affairs are conducted at a relaxed pace. Hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in Southeast Asia, it has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk). Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. We make a visit to Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7,000 Buddha images. Visit COPE, an Intrepid Foundation-sponsored organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded devices across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history.

Manorom Boutique Hotel - Breakfast included

Day

13

Hanoi

This morning is free, enjoy your last breakfast in Laos before being transferred to the airport by midday.

Fly to Hanoi and enter the third country on this trip – Vietnam. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel. Relax with your group leader, who will prepare you for the last few days of your holiday.

Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel - Breakfast included

Day

14

Halong Bay

This morning we will jump in the bus and drive the 3 or so hours to Halong Bay . Surrounded by thousands of karst limestone cliffs topped by rainforest , this is an incredible and unique place. We will settle into our junk boat, our home for tonight.

Halong Bay Junk - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day

15

Halong Bay

This morning we will take a kayaking tour around Halong Bay. We'll get to visit isolated caves, climb out onto beaches and kayaking through the wonderful bay. There are some unexpected caves and currents so its really important you always stay with the group and wear your life jacket, however confident you may be as a swimmer. After lunch we will return to Hanoi and our last night as a group , enjoy a farewell dinner and perhaps some last minute shopping before going to bed.

Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel - Breakfast included

Day

16

Departure day

Our trip ends after breakfast and you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. For those who have booked a flight inclusive package you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight home.

Fantastic Thailand

Your family adventure beings in the bustling city of Bangkok where we explore the busy streets and water ways before heading out on an overnight train to Chiang Mai, a delightful town in the north of the country, famous for being the activity centre of Thailand. with colourful markets and bustling backstreets.

Wonderful Laos

On your boat trip along the Mekong River into Laos you'll discover fascinating floating markets, a plethora of floating craft plenty of local children waving as you pass them by. On arrival into Laos we'll bcome across a myriad of Buddhost statues - how many can you count ? We will exlore the Pak Ou Caves and cool off with a dip at the Kuang Si Falls before visiting Vang Vieng where we will explore by kayak before heading to Vientiane, Laos' untouched capital.

Exciting Vietnam

We'll explore the french-influenced town of Hanoi and enjoy an evening viewng of a traditional water puppet show before we head to Halong Bay where we will explore the secret coves and many beaches of Halong Bay, before staying on a Junk boat overnight and soaking up the incredible atmosphere that there is here.

This Thailand, Laos and Vietnam family tour is just one of our many Asia Family tours. To find out more visit our Asia holidays page.

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